Greater China

Chinese banks have long played a leading role in Asia’s syndicated loan market through their Hong Kong branches. But a greater use of onshore branches, as well as those based in the West, is presenting new opportunities for borrowers in the region. Shruti Chaturvedi reports.

Investors have rejected the Hong Kong Stock Exchange’s latest attempt to allow dual-class shares, after a market consultation ended last week. Whether this will thwart HKEX's bid to woo more technology issuers is yet to be seen, but the decision will have huge repercussions for the market. John Loh writes.

China Jinmao Holdings Group returned to the market on Thursday with a tap to a bond it sold in June, hoping to reach its regulatory cap of $500m.

The 144A bond market used to offer the cream of Asian issuers access to a liquid, savvy investor base. But although the market remains relevant for Asian banks and corporations, many are increasingly deciding that regional demand is more than good enough. Addison Gong reports.

Dongfeng Peugeot Citroën Auto Finance sealed a single tranche Rmb3bn ($451m) ABS deal on August 22, just five days after Bond Connect investors tapped the asset class for the first time. But the originator showed little interest in seducing the newcomers and stuck with the local investor base instead.

When a typhoon hit Hong Kong this week, junior bankers across the city scrambled to look frantically busy from the comfort of their sofas.

Online food products retailer Cofco Womai, backed by Chinese internet giant Baidu and Cofco Group, is planning to raise up to $600m through a Hong Kong IPO.

Sisram Medical has begun sounding out investors for its $200m IPO in Hong Kong after receiving listing approval from the city’s stock exchange, said bankers on the deal.

China Great Wall Asset Management attempted to reopen the Asian dollar debt market on Thursday with a triple tranche offering after a typhoon shutdown the market on Wednesday.

The arrival of Typhoon Hato in Hong Kong on Wednesday suspended equity trading in the city, but the impact on the offshore RMB market was limited.

The Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX) has closed yet another consultation on dual-class shares, the latest effort to ensure the city has a place on the global stage for technology IPOs. But vehement opposition to the proposal from the institutional investor community means it must go back to the drawing board.

HPC Holdings is seeking approval for a Hong Kong IPO, having filed a draft prospectus with the city’s exchange on Tuesday.